Stories of SOME of the kids we have been able to help.

Two students were taken from their mother who lives out of state and they are here living with their guardian.  Would love to see that all students have a chance to participate in sports and the older student has expressed to (teacher) that he would not be doing basketball because his father couldn’t pay the fee. DSIO was able to cover the cost of the sports for the kids.

I have a client who wants to participate in basketball.  He is 14 and low income and struggles with emotions and getting involved in anything.  He is interested in basketball and we want to keep him active and be able to engage in a team sport.  DSIO was able to cover the cost of the fees, and the shoes to match the team. #dontsititout #DSIO

STEM Girls camp is a summer camp with hands on activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math skills.  We wanted to make sure they are able to accept girls in Monroe and Randolph county regardless of income level or financial constraints.  All activities are designed to be fun, and educational.  DSIO was able to sponsor part of the activities to make sure girls were not sitting out.  #dontsititout #DSIO

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Being part of a team for 7 years - the fees get tight, and hard to come up with.  Being behind every year and not being able to pay fees for sports is difficult.  We helped to cover the fees for the student to participate in something they love doing - Cross Country and Track.  #dontsititout  

Getting a birthday bag on your desk at school on your big day can mean a lot to an elementary student.  We were able to help make sure students had this opportunity, and had their special day remain special by having the birthday bag on their desk at school.  We want all students to experience joy and happiness as much as possible for special days.  #dontsititout

Awarding a competitive dancer one more opportunity to dance on stage.  This was a request from an anonymous fellow dance family that helped their friend get to another dance competition.  We were able to watch her dance, and she did an amazing job.  #dontsititout  

Soccer can be an expensive sport once you add equipment and travel to the mix.  We were able to support a local soccer clubs fundraising efforts at their golf outing to keep prices as low as possible. 

Making the team is a great accomplishment.  Then comes the bills for the uniform, shoes, socks, and on and on.  Being part of a team also means trying to look like the team and not sitting out opportunities for collaboration and team spirit.  We were able to help cover costs for a local HS teen to get the team uniform, shoes, socks, etc. to open doors to many more experiences.  #dontsititout 

There are several girls in 3rd to 8th grade who are wanting to attend a STEM academic, career, and exploration camp.  We were able to help cover the fees, supplies, and costs associated to make sure they got to attend the summer camp that they wanted to

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The school was able to waive fees to get two brothers involved in an afterschool camp.  They needed the homework help and socialization.  Mom was a single working mother who was not able to get them home after the camp, and could not afford to pay transportation to get them home.  We were able to assist them mom with paying for transportation so that the kids could get the social time and homework help they needed.

The volleyball team made the National Championship game.  One team member could not afford the flight and travel to get the girl to join her team.  They really wanted her to have the full experience as a team for this great accomplishment.  We were able to help her get there and be part of the whole team.

I am requesting assistance because we have worked hard to keep up with fees, but this is the first time the cost of her costumes have been this much.  I want to be able to continue to focus on her school and also let her dance.  I want her to gain from this that not only can we support on youth in whatever activities they have but also want to reduce her stress on worrying about this cost.  DSIO was able to cover the cost of the costumes and make sure the girl continued to dance.

My Son’s soccer team is traveling to Gulf Shores for a tournament, and we are looking for ways to have him go with the team.  I work hard to try and keep my kids involved in activities, and the extra travel and tournament costs add up quickly.  He is a part of the team and we don’t want him to sit out a tournament due to finances.  DSIO was able to partially cover some tournament cost to get this boy to the soccer tournament.  #dontsititout #DSIO

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I was in nursing school and had to quit my full time job because I got sick and couldn’t work or finish nursing school. I am a single mom.  My daughter has been in sports since 6th grade and wants to continue in High School, but I am unable to get her what she needs. DSIO was able to cover the cost of the playing and apparel to match the team.  #dontsititout #DSIO

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Lots of kids get involved at many levels with a local soccer team.  Some show up with a new ball, new cleats, etc.   Some show up with used equipment that works just fine and gets the kids on the field either way.  We were able to get several kids at one soccer park new Nike Soccer Balls.  Coaches assisted with getting them in the hands of the kids who needed them and would appreciate them the most.  A brand new ball that hopefully will ignite YEARS of soccer fun no matter where they play.  #dontsititout

DSIO sponsored a young boy getting to go to a summer camp after a fire took his house.  He is passionate about the outdoors and wants a career in the field when he gets older.  We were able to help make sure he made it to the camp even after most of their belongings were destroyed and they were working on rebuilding their lives.  #dontsititout

We were able to help with a sponsorship for a group of high school entrepreneurs to put on a 3 on 3 basketball tournament.  They were able to give the opportunity to kids ages 7 to 18 to play in a large tournament.   #dontsititout

When you get to a big town where the whole Varsity team is on a club team in the off season, you don't want to be the one sitting out.  The expenses can be large.  We were able to assist a local student in his goal of becoming part of the club team with the rest of his HS team mates.  #dontsititout

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Recreational dance class was an amazing time.  However at the end of the class there was a special costume and performance that was a little more expensive.  We were able to purchase the costume and ensure the a new little dancer was able to perform on stage with her classmates.

"My son has ran cross county for over 7 years, but now money is tight, we are going through a divorce, I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and other issues." The mom explains how they have been trying to keep their son involved despite the financial issues.  We were able to make sure their son was part of the team for another year.

There was a group of kids who were in an art club.  Most of the kids were low income, and not able to pay for their supplies or materials.  They had an idea to come together for a town art project recognizing high school kids throughout the downtown.  They needed help paying for the supplies to make this happen.  We were able to get them what they needed.  They had an adult willing to volunteer to help with the project, and you can still see it driving through their small town displayed proudly.

If you know of a someone who needs our help, we are continually accepting requests from families and kids that we might be able to help.  Click on the application tab above to let us know if you need help with making an experience happen.

#dontsititout

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